I want to import a MINI Clubman from the North.
I would like to buy a MINI Clubman (2019-2020) in Northern Ireland. What would the costs be when importing it to the Republic?
Bernadette (Dublin)Jan 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Bernadette,
Assuming the car has already been imported into Northern Ireland and registered there, and used by a private individual, then you should only be liable for VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax). This is calculated using the VRT band and something called the OMSP.
The latter - Open Market Selling Price - is the value Revenue in Ireland believes the car to be worth following registration here, and that doesn’t always correlate with the price you actually pay for the car in the North. It varies by year, condition and even the equipment fitted, and it is determined only after you import the car and present it for inspection at an NCT centre. You can estimate what it might be by looking at other similar cars for sale in classifieds, and we’d be happy to help you with that if you give us full details of the car in question.
The VRT band is determined by the car’s official CO2 emissions rating and again, we can’t tell you that without knowing the full details of the car, especially regarding its engine.
Take a read of our guides on the subject and if you need more assistance, don’t hesitate to post another question. The more specific you are on the car, the more help we will be.
Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland
How much VRT is paid in Ireland?
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor@Shane_O_D